Backpack with Center Zipper and Fold-Over Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backpacks have limited access to their contents when worn, making it difficult to handle items and vulnerable to unauthorized access, as the opening is often restricted and can be easily accessed by others.

Innovation Solution

A backpack design featuring a zipper that runs along the center line of the back surface, with triangular fold-over flaps that create a complete opening, and a divided back carrying system with adjustable straps and latching elements, allowing for easy access and secure closure, along with internal stiffening elements for stability and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the opening area is restricted to a top opening on a bag-shaped base body, then the backpack structure is simple, but the access to contents is limited and awkward when filling or emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoidbackpack structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The zipper is divided into two separate sections: a first zipper section and a second zipper section. The first zipper section connects the first fold-over flap to the base body, while the second zipper section connects the second fold-over flap to the base body. This segmentation allows independent operation of each flap, enabling partial or complete opening of the backpack for convenient access to contents without requiring the entire structure to be opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the opening area is restricted to a top opening, then the backpack structure is simple, but third parties may gain easy access to contents by opening fasteners unnoticed by the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of contentsVSAvoidclosure system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is segmented into two independent zipper sections with separate fold-over flaps. This allows the wearer to close the backpack in a way that creates a secure configuration where both flaps overlap and engage with the base body, making unauthorized access more difficult compared to a single opening design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a single top opening that faces upward and is easily accessible, the invention inverts the opening configuration by placing zipper openings on the side surfaces of the backpack. The fold-over flaps extend from the side surfaces and can be secured to the front surface, creating a closure system that is less accessible to third parties while maintaining ease of use for the wearer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a complete opening of the backpack body is implemented, then access to contents is improved, but the structural complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backpack opening system is segmented into two independent zipper sections with corresponding fold-over flaps. This segmentation enables flexible opening configurations where the wearer can choose to open only one flap for partial access or both flaps for complete access, providing operational versatility without requiring a completely different structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fold-over flaps serve multiple functions: they act as covering elements for the zipper openings, provide structural support when opened, and can be secured to the base body or front surface to create different opening configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving complete or partial opening capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3515243B1Backpack
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 ORTLIEB HARTMUT
  • EP3515243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a backpack or case, which, in the closed state, is formed or shaped from substantially an underside, upper side, lateral surfaces, a surface to be carried on the back and a front surface, wherein an opening region is formed on or along a surface (3) which is formed with at least one fold-down flap (13), whereby a substantially complete opening (2) of the substantially tub-shaped backpack body is made on the elongated surface to be carried on the back and on the at least one fold-down flap, by means of at least one zip closure (5), and wherein the surface to be carried on the back is provided with backpack straps.